TWO visually impaired veterans from County Durham will join hundreds of other ex-servicemen and women as they march past the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Day.

On Sunday, November 11, Brian Gibson, a town councillor in Ferryhill, and Robert Dawson from Trimdon Station, near Sedgefield, will march on behalf of Blind Veterans UK.

Mr Gibson, who will march for the fifth time on Sunday, said: “I was warned to expect a great deal of emotion and that was the case.

“Before marching, when standing at ease and talking to others you get a better knowledge of what others have been through.

“I never fired a shot in anger but met lads and lasses just home from Afghanistan who lost their sight in action.

“It is not just about taking part in an important service, which is a great privilege, but meeting those others brings you down to earth and you realise your problems in life aren’t so bad.”

The 72-year-old was called to do National Service for two years but served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) for six years, most of which was spent in Germany during the Cold War.

For Mr Dawson, who suffers from macular degeneration, the march will be his third but this time he will also attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

“I am looking forward to taking part in the march,” said the 75-year-old. “It will be an emotional day.”

Mr Dawson began National Service when he was 21. He completed his training at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, and later joined the 10th Royal Hussars at Tidworth in Hampshire.

He was later posted to Pembroke in South Wales and Germany.

Formerly St Dunstan’s, Blind Veterans UK has made an enormous difference to the lives of both men, providing them with support, specialist IT equipment and training.

“The charity has allowed me to continue to live a rich life,” said Mr Gibson, who has severe sight loss caused by various eye conditions. “I have now got over my fear of cooking as I have learnt how to cook few things.”

Mr Dawson added: “Having a computer has opened up the world to me. It helps me keep in touch with friends and family.”